A perfect blend of beauty, spirituality ,adventure—the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is one of the big summits and probably the most rewarding treks you will ever achieve. Watching the gigantic Mt Shivling in all its magnificence and that too from such proximity right from the base to summit is a mind numbing experience. The trek also takes you around the Gangotri Glacier- which is the source of our holy river Ganga---the mother river nurturing our civilisation from time immemorial. To witness her flowing from her source as river Bhagirathi---is a moment of veneration . The entire trek is a visual feast as there are other stalwart Himalayan peaks standing in all their glory- The Bhagirathi twin peaks, Mt Meru among others. The trek trail is filled with nature's bounty,but in greater parts it travels beyond tree lines. In these parts you have to undertake arduous trek through mountain- scapes, boulder ridden paths and ruthless climate. Look into the azure blue sky, gaze at the omnipresent snow capped Himalayan peaks and you will find your inspiration to move on. The serenity ,peace of Tapovan- the ancient site for meditation by ascetics will create a sense of tranquility in you as well. Thus it is beyond doubt that this trek is worth every ounce of your time, perseverance and imagination.

Location -Gaumukh- Tapovan trek begins from Gangotri in Uttarkashi of Uttaranchal

Best time to visit - May(end)- June, September-October

How to reach - Since the starting point of this trek is Gangotri, therefore we can reach there in the following ways:

Nearest Railway Station- Rishikesh about 240 kms from Gangotri.

Rishikesh is well connected with by taxis and buses with Gangotri.

Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport at Dehra Dun -250 kms away from Gangotri.

Duration -8 Days/ 7 Nights

Detailed Itinerary-

Day 1 Dehra Dun to Gangotri( distance-245 kms , 7-8 hours drive)- Reach Dehra Dun early morning--- after breakfast we begin to drive for Gangotri in Uttar kashi via Gangnani—which is famous for hot water spring baths---lunch on the way---dinner after reaching Gangotri—staying at a guest house for the night.

Day 2 Gangotri(3060mts) to Chirbasa( 3600mts)( distance 9-10 kms , time 6 hours) – start early morning ---the trail will take you through many waterfalls and streams—enjoy the beautiful view of the valley, snow capped mountain peaks In the right side of the valley---with an up close view of the Sudarshan Parbat standing stunningly in the background---all this while river Bhagirathi will accompany you flowing playfully below, to your right--- Reach Chirbasa---locate the GMVN hut at level ground beside the river- this is your campsite for the night. The place gets its name from the surrounding Chir trees that grow here.

Day 3 Chirbasa to Bhojbasa(3800mts) distance- 5 kms, time-3-4 hours) ---beyond Chirbasa the terrain is rocky and barren---its well above the tree line---trail is surrounded by dense forest---trudging along this silent path the Bhagirathi peaks appear progressively close--- it is in Bhojbasa only where you will get the glimpse of Mt Shivling---on reaching Bhojbasa there is a small temple and an open campsite---igloo like huts built by GMVN are also available—but staying here requires prior booking and permission from Forest Department---the Bhagirathi flows beside the camp-site---relax and spend the rest of your day exploring the valley and enjoying the sunset in this surreal environment.

Day 4 Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3900m) to Tapovan (4350m) ( distance 9 kms, time- 7 hours)- -after enjoying the early morning view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks and having breakfast we start our day----we trek to Gaumukh ---explore the surroundings and set off for Tapovan---one of the finest high altitude Alpine meadows ---on this day we also use Tyrolean Traverse to cross the Bhagirathi river---the ascent to Tapovan is a steep climb adjacent to Akash Ganga which flows vertical down the rock-phase----the climb takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on conditions---on reaching look for a suitable camping spot—the views from the campsite in Tapovan are mind boggling---Mt Shivling staring straight down---a little behind in the left stands the Sumeru—a little further left and then you see the Bhagirathi peaks, Thenu,Sudarshan peaks , to the right of Mt Shivling is the MT Meru---all these lofty Himalayan peaks offering a panoramic view and that too a stone's throw away---no wonder this heaven-like beautiful place was used as the chief place for meditation and spiritual- uplifting by sages over many centuries.

Day 5- Tapovan Rest day---use this day to acclimatize---explore the surroundings---not sparing a day to soak in the beauty of such a serene place and that too after such a strenuous climb will be a crime---this place is frequented by many great contemporary mountaineers ---there is also a short hike of 1.5 kms to Neelatal which can be explored on this day

Day 6—Tapovan to Bhojbasha( distance 7 kms, time-5-6 hours) –watch sunrise in Tapovan amidst the gigantic Himalayan peaks---have breakfast--- gradual descent in the same trail back towards the starting point---since its a downward journey,the walk is more swift and takes less time and effort

Day 7 ---Bhojbasa to Gangotri (distance-14 kms , time- 5-6 hours) ---after breakfast trek begins---same route as taken for onward journey—keep an eye out for rock falls-on this way down you will catch yet another glimpse of Mt Shivling –travel through the beautiful birch pine trees gracing the trail---with Bhagirathi river flowing in your left---finally reach Gangotri---put up for the night in a guest house

Day 8—Gangotri to Dehra Dun( distance-245 kms , 7-8 hours drive)- ---early morning breakfast ---then we start for Dehra dun –reach there by evening---homebound journey

Special Points-The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a moderately difficult trek. There are some difficult sections as well. Hence, fitness is crucial. About couple of months before trek, start working on your stamina—your target should be to be able to run 5 kms comfortably in 30-40 mins

• Basic trekking essentials—backpacks,day packs, rain covers, proper trekking clothes are needed.

• Basic medicines and first aid kits must be carried

• Walking sticks( available at trek start point also) are very essential

• Proper hydration is very important , make provision to carry atleast 2 litres of water.

• Carry energy bars, dry fruits, electrals/ ORS

• Carry your photo -ID proof.